This week’s streaming news brings exciting updates from some popular shows and platforms. Here’s what you need to know:
Paramount+ has released the official trailer for the second season of its comedy series revival, “Frasier.” Kelsey Grammer returns as Dr. Frasier Crane in a new chapter of his life. This season, Frasier heads back to Boston, where he faces new challenges, forms new relationships, and hopes to fulfill some long-held dreams. Notably, Crane will return to his radio roots with a visit to Seattle. Season 2 promises guest appearances from original cast members such as Peri Gilpin, Dan Butler, Edward Hibbert, and Harriet Sansom Harris. Additionally, guest stars like Rachel Bloom, Yvette Nicole Brown, Greer Grammer, Patricia Heaton, and Amy Sedaris are also set to appear.
The new season also stars Jack Cutmore-Scott, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Toks Olagundoye, Jess Salgueiro, and Anders Keith. The original “Frasier” series, which ended more than 20 years ago, still holds the record for most Emmy wins for a comedy series, with 37 wins and 107 nominations. The first season of this revival received three Primetime Emmy nominations, continuing the show’s legacy. Fans can look forward to the premiere of “Frasier” Season 2 on Paramount+ on September 19, with new episodes released every Thursday.
In another streaming update, Apple TV+ has renewed its crime thriller “Criminal Record” for a second season. Created by Paul Rutman, the show, set in contemporary London, revolves around two detectives at different stages of their careers. They find themselves clashing over an old murder case after receiving an anonymous tip. The series stars Peter Capaldi as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty and Cush Jumbo as Detective Sergeant June Lenker. Both actors will return for the second season, which will dive into a new gripping storyline.
The upcoming season will see June as the senior officer on the scene when a political rally is attacked by far-right extremists, leading to the death of a young man. Overwhelmed by guilt and driven to find the killer, June seeks help from Daniel, now deeply involved in the murky world of police intelligence. However, this alliance comes with its own set of risks. The series also features Zoë Wanamaker, Charlie Creed-Miles, Cathy Tyson, Stephen Campbell Moore, and Shaun Dooley. New cast members include Dionne Brown, Tom Moutchi Aysha Kala, and Jordan Nash. The release date for “Criminal Record” Season 2 will be announced soon.
Netflix is keeping the Olympic spirit alive even after the Paris 2024 Olympics. The streaming giant will release the final two episodes of its documentary series “Simone Biles Rising” on October 25. The series, produced by Religion of Sports in collaboration with the Olympic Channel, offers an intimate look into the life of Simone Biles as she fights her way back to the top after stepping back from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health. Directed by Katie Walsh, the four-part documentary began airing on July 17 and has been following Biles’ journey as she competed in the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Trials, qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team, and eventually won three gold medals and one silver at the Paris Games. The final episodes will provide a close look at her thoughts and experiences as she became the most decorated gymnast in history.
In November, Netflix will also debut the second season of its docuseries “SPRINT,” which takes viewers behind the scenes of the world’s fastest runners. The first season, which premiered on July 2, followed top sprinters like Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles from the 2023 World Championships through their journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The new season will continue this exploration, featuring athletes like Lyles, Shericka Jackson, Gabby Thomas, Fred Kerley, and many others as they train and compete at the highest levels of their sport. “SPRINT” Season 2 is set to premiere on November 13.
HBO is gearing up for the fourth and final season of “My Brilliant Friend,” a critically acclaimed drama series based on the bestselling novels by Elena Ferrante. The series has been well-received for its deep portrayal of the complex relationship between two women, Elena Greco and Raffaella “Lila” Cerullo, spanning over 60 years. The final season, titled “Story of the Lost Child,” will explore the adult lives of Elena and Lila during the tumultuous late 1980s in Italy. Amid personal and societal upheavals—including political violence, social unrest, motherhood, and career pressures—the two women find themselves back in the same neighborhood, dealing with betrayals, threats, and even natural disasters. The new season promises to be a powerful conclusion to this emotional and gripping saga.
These updates show that the world of streaming continues to thrive, offering a mix of nostalgic revivals, thrilling new seasons, and inspiring documentaries. Whether you’re a fan of classic sitcoms, gripping crime dramas, or sports documentaries, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.
